Notable events involving Taku include:

The history of HMS Taku as compiled on this page is extracted from Taku's patrol reports and logbooks. Corrections and details regarding information from the enemy's side (for instance the composition of convoys attacked) is kindly provided by Mr. Platon Alexiades, a naval researcher from Canada.

2 Apr 1940HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) departed Portsmouth for a trial period at Loch Long on the west coast of Scotland. She was escorted by HMS Malcolm (Capt. T.E. Halsey, RN) until 0730/3 when HMS Foxhound (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Peters, DSC, RN) took over the escort. (5)

11 Apr 1940For the daily and attack positions of HMS Taku during her 1st war patrol see the map below.

(5)

11 Apr 1940HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) departed from the Clyde area for her 1st war patrol. She is to patrol off Central Norway. She was escorted until 2145/12 by HMS Notts County (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.K. Pollock, RN).
(6)

(All times are zone 0)
Taku had received information that 5 German destroyers had been sighted off Stavanger at 1900 hours the previous day. They were steering Northwards at 25 knots. It was estimated that these would pass close to Taku's position between 0330 - 0400 hours this day.

0335 hours - Sighted a ship bearing 240° steering 060° at high speed, distance was about 4 miles. Turned towards and commenced a surface attack. The ships silhouette was very similar to that of a German destroyer. In view of the previous report there was no doubt that this was an enemy destroyer.

0342 hours - Fired 4 torpedoes from 3000 yards. One torpedo was seen to break surface. Taku dived immediately after firing.
It was now rapidly getting lighter and immediately after firing the first salvo the destroyer changed course. Taku manoeuvred into position to fire a second salvo. The destroyer now turned directly towards and while doing so it was observed to have a tripod mast and twin gun mountings and it was identified as friendly. Taku went deep and the order was given to fire a yellow smoke candle and to transmit identity letter on S.S/T. When at 60 feet a pattern of depth charges exploded about 100 yards on the starboard bow. Taku now surfaced and established her identity by lamp. The destroyer was HMS Ashanti. Only minor damage was caused by the depth charges. (6)

2 May 1940HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) departed from Rosyth for her 2nd war patrol. She is to patrol of Southern Norway.

For HMS Taku's daily positions during this patrol see the map below.

(6)

8 May 1940HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, RN) attacked a German convoy with ten torpedoes and torpedoed and damaged the German torpedo boat Mowe (900 tons) east of Denmark in position 56°45'N, 06°12'E. After the attack Taku was depth charged and hunted for over 6 hours.

The convoy attacked was made up of the German transports Palime (2863 GRT, built 1937) and Pelikan (3264 GRT, built 1935) escorted by torpedo boats Mowe and Kondor.

Mowe was damaged in the stern and towed to Wilhelmshaven by Kondor. Mowe was under repair for almost three years until April 1943.

(All times are zone 0)
1715 hours - Sighted two camouflaged merchant ships about 8000 tons each escorted by two torpedo boats and two aircraft. Bearing 175°, range 8000 yards. All ships were zig-zagging independently. Commenced attack. It was intended to fire five torpedoes at each of the merchant ships from outside the screen.

1736 hours - Fired at the leading transport from 2000 yards. After the last torpedo was fired Taku went to 100 feet. One minute after firing three distinct explosions were heard. These were followed by an avalanche of depth charges. Taku meanwhile lost trim and bottomed at 150 feet. All motors were stopped. Taku was now hunted and depth charged until late in the evening.

2350 hours - Left bottom after the hunters HE had ceased.

0150 hours (9th) - Surfaced. Nothing in sight except some fishing vessels to the South and East. Proceeded to the North-West while charging. (6)

2 Sep 1940HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) departed from Rothesay for her 6th war patrol. She is to patrol in the Bay of Biscay off the Gironde estuary.

Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN). They were escorted by HMS Rosemary (Lt.(Retd.) H.V. Wheeler, RN).

For HMS Taku's daily positions during this patrol see the map below.

(6)

20 Sep 1940HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. V.J.H. Van der Byl, DSC, RN) ended her 6th war patrol at Falmouth. She departed later the same day for Holy Loch. Passage north through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Porpoise (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN). They were escorted by HMS Rosemary (Lt.(Retd.) H.V. Wheeler, RN). (11)

18 Oct 1940HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) departed from Holy Loch for her 7th war patrol. She is to patrol in the Bay of Biscay of Lorient / St. Nazaire.

Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Cachalot (Lt.Cdr. J.D. Luce, RN). They were escorted by HMS La Surprise (Capt.(Retd.) E.Stubbs, RN).

For HMS Taku's daily positions during this patrol see the map below.

(6)

2 Nov 1940HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) hit the German tanker Gedania (8923 GRT, built 1920) in the Bay of Biscay about 35 nautical miles south-west of Belle-Ile island in position 46°54'N, 03°50'W with a dud torpedo.

(All times are zone -1)
0230 hours - In position 46°54'N, 03°50'W sighted a large tanker bearing 190°. Enemy course was 020°. Started attack.

0238 hours - Fired eight torpedoes from 800 yards. After 30 seconds there were three heavy explosions. These explosions even caused some damage to Taku. Taku was diving at the moment of the explosion but was still on the surface.

0247 hours - Surfaced. The tanker could not be seen ut there was a pronounced smell of oil fuel present.

13 Jan 1941HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) departed from Holy Loch for her 9th war patrol. She is to patrol in the Bay of Biscay off Brest and Lorient. During her passage south through the Irish Sea she was escorted by HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN) until midnight during the night of 14/15 January.

27 Feb 1941HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) has to abandon the passage to Halifax as she is damaged in heavy weather. The after Hydroplanes are 'locked' in a vertical position rendering the ship un-maneuverable. A signal was made requesting assistance. (6)

3 Mar 1941At 0045 hours (zone +1), HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN), is joined by the British sloop HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. A.E.T. Christie, RN). At 1130 hours the British corvette HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, DSC, RNR) and the British rescue tug HMRT Salvonia also joined. Attempts were now undertaken to take Taku in tow but these failed. A connection between Salvonia and Taku was established only at 0808 hours the following morning. Taku was now towed to Londonderry. During passage the tow parted once. (6)

16 Mar 1941HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) was towed from Holy Loch to Ardrossan where she was docked in the graving dock for repairs to her after hydroplanes. (19)

21 Mar 1941HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) was undocked. (19)

22 Mar 1941HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) shifted from Ardrossan to Holy Loch. After oiling she departed Holy Loch for her 10th war patrol. She is to patrol in the Bay of Biscay. She is to proceed to Gibraltar upon completion of her partol as she was to join the 1st Submarine Flotilla based at Alexandria.

Passage south through the Irish Sea was made together with HMS Torbay (Lt.Cdr. A.C.C. Miers, RN), HMS Tuna (Lt.Cdr. M.K. Cavenagh-Mainwaring, DSO, RN) and HMS L 26 (Lt. S.L.C. Maydon, RN). They were escorted by the Free French minesweeper FFS La Moqueuse.

At 2324 hours a torpedo track was sighted coming towards. Taku went hard to port and then dived. Nothing further was sighted. (20)

15 Apr 1941HMS Taku (Lt. J.F.B. Brown, RN) is ordered by F.O.C.N.A. to return to Gibraltar. Instructions had been received from CinC Mediterranean and Capt. S.1 that they intend HMS Taku to make a war patrol in the Tyrrhenean Sea. Before proceeding on this patrol a rest period was needed therefore Taku was recalled. (20)

26 Apr 1941HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed from Gibraltar for her 11th war patrol. This is her 1st Mediterranean war patrol. She is to patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea and to proceed to Alexandria afterwards.

1 Jun 1941HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 12th war patrol. This is her 2nd Mediterranean war patrol. She is to patrol in Gulf of Sirte.

For HMS Taku's daily positions during this patrol see the map below.

(22)

7 Jun 1941While on patrol off Az-Zuwaytinah, Libya HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) intercepts a small convoy made up of one schooner, one tug towing a leighter and one A/S trawler as escort. She attacked with gunfire but after the first round the gun misfired. As the gun continued to misfire she has to abort the attack. The A/S trawler dropped six depth charges but these did no damage.
(The vessels attacked were the Italian schooners Elisa and Nadia escorted by the Italian gunboat Mario Bianco.)

During the night of 7-8 June 1941 the folbot party was landed on Gharah Island. The island was found to be uninhabited.
(22)

8 Jun 1941HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) lands a folbot party at Al Burayqah, Libya. The folbot party made a landing and investigated the old ford. It was found to be ruined and deserted. Then another landing was made but the folbot party was detected and had to leave the beach under a hail of bullets. Fortunately no one was hit. The shore battery at Al Burayqah was bombarded by Taku after the folbot party was recovered. 7 Rounds were fired for one hit and one possible hit. (22)

(All times are zone -3)
2140 hours - In position 1 nautical mile bearing 270° from the Bengasi breakwater light, fires one torpedo against a supply ship in the harbour. The torpedo hit the target and started a large fire. Three minutes later Taku proceeded up the Bengasi swept channel back out to sea.

Italian sources give the following info: When the ammunition ship Tilly L.M. Russ blew up 15 men were missing
including all her AA gunners, the auxiliary schooners Giorgina (253 GRT, raised in
July 1941) and Nadia (243 GRT) were sunk by the blast and the steamer Ninfea (607
GRT, built 1918) and the schooners Rosina (244 GRT), [also reported as damaged by aircraft on 9
June] and Luigi (? GRT) were set afire, the water tanker Elisa (216 GRT) was also
damaged.
(22)

Silvio Scaroni was in convoy together with the Italian merchants Cadamosto (1010 GRT, built 1905) and Aosta (562 GRT, built 1913). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Polluce and Palade.

(All times are zone -3)
0435 hours - In position 32°20'N, 18°49'E, HMS Taku sighted a convoy. The convoy is identified as an Italian Orione class torpedo boat, an Italian MAS boat and three merchant ships of 1500, 2600 and 2500 tons respectively.

0503 hours - Two torpedoes were fired against the last ship in line. One of these torpedoes was seen to hit just abaft the foremast. The ship sank.

0505 hours - The torpedo boat was seen heading straight for Taku so Lt.Cdr. Nicolay went deep. (22)

(All times are zone -3)
1430 hours - An armed tug and a schooner were sighted in position 30°56'N, 17°56'E. Weather conditions were unfavourable for gunnery action. Taku shadowed the ships.

2126 hours - The ships were at anchor close inshore in position 30°41'N, 18°19'E. Taku surfaced to launch a folbot party. The folbot however broke in a wave and the idea of a folbot attack was abandoned. (A folbot is a folding kayak).

2314 hours - The armed tug was engaged with gunfire from 300 yards. A lighter was sighted laying astern of the tug. The lighter was slipped and drifted ashore. The tug was hit, the crew slipped the anchor cable and beached itself. Taku now shifted fire to the schooner. 12 rounds were fired from 150 yards. The schooner was then boarded. Charts, books, etc. were captured. The schooner was the Vincenzo P. and was loaded with provisions. The schooner was then sunk by gunfire. (Italian sources give the tug as Italian tug Nettuno. She was badly damaged and beached, The crew was saved and the tug was later salvaged.) (22)

19 Jul 1941As a result of an ULTRA intercept, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN), patrolled north of Benghazi to intercept the Italian transport Bosforo (3647 GRT, 1929). The submarine had been informed that the Italia vessel was leaving Naples and would be at 0630C/19 July in position 33°06'N, 20°16'E where it would be met by a torpedo-boat and arrive at Benghazi at 1200C the same day.

Nothing was sighted except a fishing boat at 0900/19 in position 32°33'N, 20°05.6'E. Bosforo in fact arrived on the afternoon of the 19th, a few hours late on her schedule. Captain S.1 was later criticized for having sent a signal which was too explicit and could have compromised the ULTRA secret it had been deciphered by the enemy or fallen in its hands. It was felt, that he ought to have just changed the submarine patrol position.

21 Jul 1941In the early morning HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) landed a folbot party of two (Corporal R. Halloran, K.R.R. and Marine Miles from Lay Force) off Benghazi. They were to attack a 2500-ton ship in the harbour (this was most probably Bosforo). Several explosions were observed in the harbour 40 minutes after launching the folbot party. The folbot party did not show up on the rendezvous point. They were obviously captured. (22)

28 Jul 1941HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. E.C.F. Nicolay, RN) ended her 13th war patrol at Alexandria. This was the last patrol of Taku. She is now sent back to the U.K. for a refit due to engine problems. (22)

13 Aug 1941HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. P.J.H. Bartlett, RN) departed from Alexandria bound for the U.K. where she is to refit. The first leg of the trip is to Malta. Taku has loaded 25000 gallons of kerosene the RAF at Malta.

22 May 1942HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Alexandria for her 15th war patrol. She is to patrol the approaches to Benghazi. Later she is used to give cover for operation Vigorous with several other submarines.

For HMS Taku's daily positions during this patrol see the map below.

(31)

31 May 1942HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) attacked a convoy and claims to have hit a merchant ship with a torpedo. Italian sources however makes no mention of this.

(All times are zone -3)
0425 hours - In position 33°34'N, 18°30'E sighted one destroyer and one large merchant ship bearing 230°, distance 5 nautical miles. The destroyer was zig-zagging widely across the bow of the merchant ship about 1 to 2 nautical miles ahead. Closed at full speed to attack.

0440 hours - Dived and proceeded at full speed.

0443 hours - Fired three torpedoes (four was intended but there was a problem with the firing valve of Nr. 6 torpedo tube) from 6000 yards (Taku was unable to get closed due to the destroyer).

0451 hours - On loud explosion was heard. Taku went deep as the destroyer had turned back. Upon coming to periscope depth sighted sparks and a small amount of flame bearing 130, the approximate bearing of the ship when the torpedoes were fired. Nothing further was seen through the periscope but very shortly after seeing these spars there was a terrific explosion that sounded very close. Though nothing had been seen of the destroyer it was felt that this might have been a depth charge. Taku went deep for 15 minutes.

(It is not known for sure which ships were sighted and attacked by Taku but most likely it was the brand-new Italian transport Rosolino Pilo (8326 GR, built 1942) escorted by the destroyer Nicoloso da Recco). (31)

(All times are zone -3)
1230 hours - In position 32°30'N, 20°08'E sighted what is thought to be a Crotone-class sloop escorting 2 medium seized motor vessels with three aircraft overhead. Started an attack.

1251 hours - Fired three torpedoed at the rear ship. Sighted one of the aircraft coming straight toward. About 2 minutes after firing three bombs were dropped that were very close. All three navigation lights were broken. No hits were heard and it seems likely that the torpedoed could be avoided.

1320 hours - Came to periscope depth, nothing in sight. Resumed dived patrol to the Westward.

According to Italian sources the ships attacked were Italian merchants Sibilla (1077 GRT, built 1900) and Albachiara
(1245 GRT, built 1904) escorted by the Italian torpedo boat Sagittario and submarine chaser Selve. (32)

(All times are zone -3)
0729 hours - Sighted one merchant vessel, about 5000 tons, escorted by two Spica class torpedo boats (one ahead and one astern of the merchant) and one aircraft overhead bearing 185°, range 7 nautical miles. Went to 70 feet and closed at speed for 15 minutes.

0807 hours - Fired the first torpedo of a salvo of four. Immediately after firing this first torpedo the target changed course. Hold fire.

0810 hours - Fired three torpedoes. No hits.
Taku went deep.

0833 hours - Depth charging commenced in patterns of six. All were astern and not close.

0915 hours - The last pattern of depth charges was dropped.

0930 hours - No HE was heard, came to periscope depth. Nothing in sight. Resumed dived patrol Eastwards. (32)

21 Aug 1942Shortly before arriving at Beirut, where she ended her 17th war patrol, HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) is depth charged in error by a British Wellington aircraft.

(All times are zone -3)
0510 hours - In position 33°59'N, 34°48'E sighted a Wellington aircraft. The light by then was good and the aircraft flew close on both sides until 0555 hours when it approached from the starboard quarter and released two depth charges which dropped 15 feet and 20 yards on the port bean and bow respectively. The first narrowly missed the periscope standards. None the less Taku suffered no damage. (32)

9 Sep 1942HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) departed from Port Said for her 18th war patrol. She is to patrol along the coast of Cyrenaica, Libya.

For HMS Taku's daily positions during this patrol see the map below.

(32)

14 Sep 1942HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) tries to land a party of four by folbots off Tobruk. The attempt is aborted due to the unfavourable weather conditions. This special operation was in conjunction with 'Operation Agreement'.
(32)

18 Sep 1942HMS Taku (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN) attacks an enemy convoy in position 32°29'N, 23°34'E. Four torpedoes were fired and a sinking is claimed.

The convoy attacked was made up of the merchant Fougier (???? GRT, built ????), the Italian merchant Nerucci (1180 GRT, built 1892) and the German merchant Dora (795 GRT, built 1898). They were escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Sirio and Lupo. They had sailed on the 16th from Suda Bay and arrived at Tobruk on the 18th.

0320 hours - In position 32°29'N, 23°34'E fired four torpedoes at the leading ship. Dived.

0327 hours - Heard a loud explosion.

0336 hours - Heard another loud and prolonged explosion.

0345 hours - Periscope depth, nothing in sight.

0415 hours - Surfaced. Sighted a dark object in the vicinity of the attacking position and closed on main motors. The object was identified as a destroyer that was thought to be picking up survivors. Thought one ship to be hit and sunk.

(All times are zone -3)
0900 hours - Sighted a convoy made up of two merchants and two destroyers with a whole lot of aircraft overhead. It's likely there were more ships but the periscope could only be put up for very brief moments. Commenced attack.

0925 hours - In position 33°30'N, 21°10'E fired three torpedoes at the port wing ship from 1500 yards. Went deep after firing as one of the destroyers was very close.

0930 hours - Heard one explosion, most likely a depth charge.

0932 hours - Heard two explosions, most likely depth charges.

1025 hours - Came to periscope depth, nothing in sight.

Italian sources give the following info regarding this attack: The convoy was made up of the Italian merchants Apuaniowa (7948 GRT, built 1942) and Monginevro (5324 GRT, built 1940) escorted by destroyer
Freccia. Apuania reported missed by one torpedo and Monginevro missed by two. (32)

(All times are zone -3)
1046 hours - Sighted masts of a caique bearing 120°, distance about 4 nautical miles through the periscope. Altered course to investigate.

1129 hours - Range was now 2500 yards. Saw that the caique was about 50 tons. Decided to attack with the gun.

1137 hours - Surfaced on the starboard quarter of the caique crossing his stern at 1600 yards. The third shot brought down her foresail. As the smoke from the gun was clouding the caique ceased fire and shifted to her port bow and reopened fire. It was then observed that the crew had not abandoned ship. Ceased fire to allow them to do so but the crew did not do so. They were ordered to abandon ship which they started to do except for 'Granpa'. Meanwhile they held up the mangled remains of one of the crew. Lt. Pitt considered that in name of humanity to let them go.

(All times are zone -3)
0740 hours - In position 38°04'N, 25°27'E sighted escort vessel (This was the Italian destroyer Quintino Sella) through the periscope.

0750 hours - Sighted the tanker well inshore of the escort and difficult to distinguish against the land.

0804 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 4000 yards. Went to 70 feet. 3min28sec after firing the first torpedo heard one explosion. Followed by two more explosions thought to be depth charges.

0814 hours - Came to periscope depth and saw that the tanker had been hit forward and that the foremast had fallen. She was down by the bows. Her boats were away and the escort vessel had gone off to the South. Started to get in position to put a 2nd torpedo into the target if needed.

0839 hours - While at 50 feet heard breaking up noises and on return to periscope depth it was noted that she indeed had sunk.

0846 hours - An aircraft arrived at the scene so went to 70 feet. Set course to the East to clear the area. (32)

27 Oct 1942HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) chases the small Greek merchant ship Sifnos (315 GRT, built 1891) and fires at it with the deck gun, the ship however manages to escape. Following this chase Taku sank the Greek Caique Lora (121 GRT) with gunfire off the Gulf of Kassandra, Greece.

(All times are zone -3)
1645 hours - Sighted a small merchant vessel of about 200 tons coming out of the Gulf of Kassandra course 110°. Decided to attack with the gun but had to wait until he rounded Cape Drepano.

1727 hours - Surfaced when the target rounded the Cape and opened fire from 6000 yards. A chase followed and the small merchant was very well handled. In the end she managed to escape without being hit. About a mile to starboard a caique had lowered it sails and no doubt by staying very still hoped to be forgotten in the general excitement. Attention was now paid to this vessel. The caique was quickly sunk with gunfire.

Dived to 80 feet and cleared the area. (32)

31 Oct 1942HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) fires three torpedoes against the Italian tanker Cerere (1267 GRT, built 1915) about 10 nautical miles south of Cape Sounio, Greece in position 37°30'N, 24°03'E. All torpedoes fired missed their target.

(All times are zone -3)
0940 hours - Smoke sighted bearing 335° and soon after saw two aircraft on the same bearing.

1011 hours - Masts appearing above the horizon. The convoy we had been warned about turned out to be one 5000 ton MV, one 3500 ton MV and one 1500 ton MV. They were escorted by a destroyer and two other escort vessels. Astern of the convoy was a hospital ship. Manouvered into attack position

1056 hours - Fired three torpedoes from 6500 yards. It was intended to fire four torpedoes but Taku lost trim and went deep. At 5min13sec after firing the first torpedo a loud explosion was heard which was correct for a running range of 6500 yards. Five depth charges were dropped, all distant but HE was heard fairly close so Lt. Pitt ordered Taku to 150 feet.

1155 hours - Came to periscope depth and could see no trace of the target.

1205 hours - Sighted the convoy again mines the largest MV and the hospital ship. They were hull down and Lt. Pitt decided to ran in for 10 minutes at full speed for another shot.
During these 10 minutes the crew managed to reload one of the torpedo tubes.

1237 hours - Fired two torpedoes (three was indented but there was a miscommunication). Four minutes after firing three depth charges were heard followed by five patters of two depth charges. The third pattern was rather close and shook Taku but no damage was done. HE was kept astern as Taku crept away slowly.

According to Italian sources this convoy was made up of the following ships: Italian Galiola (1357 GRT, built 1917) and tanker Cerere (1267 GRT, built 1915) with German merchant Ardena (1092 GRT, built 1915) escorted by the Italian torpedo boats Lira, Calatafimi and Solferino. (32)

8 Nov 1942HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) attacked what is though to be an auxliary patrol vessel south of Milos in approximate position 36°40'N, 24°47'E.

The target has currently (May 2018) not been identified.

(All times are zone -3)
1115 hours - Sighted a ship rounding the right hand edge of Polino. Started attack. Observation was very difficult as waves were continually washin over the periscope. Range was 3000 yards. The target was thought to be some sort of armed merchant cruiser of about 2000 tons, two aircraft were patrolling overhead.

1132 hours - Fired one torpedo but due to an error in the attack setup made by Lt. Pitt it missed. Also there was a large splash when the torpedo was fired.

9 Dec 1942HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed from Beirut for her 20th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the Aegean. She is also to perform a special operation.

For HMS Taku's daily positions during this patrol see the map below.

(6)

14 Dec 1942HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) torpedoed and sank the Italian tanker Delfin (5322 GRT, built 1918) in the Aegean Sea about 5 nautical miles north of Macrosini island, Greece in position 37°52'N, 24°06'E.

(All times are zone -3)
1115 hours - Sighted an aircraft patrolling to the South.

1140 hours - In position 37°50'N, 24°07'E sighted smoke of two ships to the South. Commenced attack.

The convoy turned out to be a 5000 ton MV that was escorted by steam yacht of about 300 tons. This yacht was about 700 yards ahead of the MV. Two aircraft were escorting the convoy.

1226 hours - Fired two torpedoes from 750 yards. 33 seconds after firing a loud torpedo explosion was heard. The HE of the ship continued for about 15sec. but then it stopped and was followed by breaking up noises. A minute and a half after firing a depth charge was dropped.

1242 hours - Asdic transmissions were heard.

1245 hours - The escort dropped the first of eleven depth charges in a line with three second intervals. These depth charges were unpleasantly close. Taku was shaken considerably but only light damage was done. Five more depth charges were dropped but these were not as close as the first eleven.

1337 hours - Another eleven depth charges were dropped. These were as close as the first eleven dropped at 1245 hours. After these one other depth charge was dropped. This was the last one. Taku now managed to slip away although it took the rest of the day.

German sources however mentions that Delfin was not escorted and that the auxiliary submarine chaser UJ-2102 was sent to the area to hunt the submarine after Delfin was sunk. (6)

(All times are zone -3)
1200 hours - A two-masted caique of about 150 tons was seen leaving the canal. Closed to attack.

1257 hours - Surfaced 1800 yards on the port quarter and opened direct fire. The second shot hit and the occupants jumped overboard (these included German soldiers). 21 rounds were fired for 15 hits. The caique was now on fire.

1303 hours - Dived and withdrew to the South-West.

According to German sources Niki was damaged and abandoned, of the 10 German soldiers on board 2 were killed and the other 8 wounded. The wreck was later found drifting and was towed to Salonica. (6)

More information on the attempts to block the Corinth Canal will be found in the book "Target Corinth Canal 1940-1944" by Platon Alexiades (this book will be published in 2015). (6)

27 Dec 1942While on patrol of the Zea Channel, HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) fires five torpedoes against a 1500 ton ship in position 37°32'N, 24°14'E. All torpedoes fired missed their target.

(All times are zone -3)
0450 hours - In position 37°32'N, 24°14'E sighted a small MV. Started attack and closed at speed on the motors.

0512 hours - Three torpedoes out of a salvo of four were fired. Before firing the fourth torpedo Lt. Pitt realised that the ship was much closer then he thought. Now the fourth torpedo was fired but this one also missed as had the first three.

0515 hours - Fired the stern torpedo but this one also missed, passing close to the targets port side.

0518 hours - proceeded on both engines to pursue the ship and gun her. The ship was seen to be of 1500 tons, 2 masts and one funnel with the bridge in front of it and having two holds.

0530 hours - The ship opened fire with her stern gun. As there was only half an hour to go before Taku had to submerge for the day and it was impossible to overtake the ship before that the action had to be broken off.

According to Italian sources this was the Italian merchant Bucintoro (1326 GRT, built 1909) (6)

17 Jan 1943HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed from Beirut for Malta. Taku is to return to the U.K. for refit and repairs to the engines that continued to give problems during the last two war patrols.

13 May 1943HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed Plymouth for Holy Loch. She made the passage together with HMS H 32 (Lt. T.G. Ridgeway, RN) that was to proceed to Rothesay. They were escorted by HMS Damsay (T/Lt. A.M. Sullivan, RNVR). (41)

16 May 1943HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (41)

18 May 1943HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Troon where she was to refit. (41)

1 Oct 1943With her refit completed, HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN), shifted from Troon to Holy Loch to begin period of trials and training. En-route to Holy Loch full power trials were carried out. (42)

(All times are zone -1)
1010 hours - Sighted a Northbound convoy. Went to full submerged speed for 8 minutes to get into a firing position.

1024 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 3500 yards and went to 80 feet. 40 Seconds after firing the first torpedo an explosion was heard, most likely a premature. 2 Minutes and 24 seconds after firing the first torpedo another explosion was heard. 15 Depth charges were dropped by the escort but these were not close and Taku was never detected.

1124 hours - Came to periscope depth. Two trawlers and one aircraft were seen about two mile away. The target was seen to be stopped and on fire and with her boats away. Ten minutes later it was seen that the bow rose high out of the water. Five minutes later she had sunk and breaking up noises were heard. It was now seen that the convoy was made up of a 6000 ton ship (that was sunk), a 4000 ton ship, four 3000 tonners. Two escorts were seen but there were probably more. Taku reloaded and withdraw to the seaward.

According to German sources the Rheinhausen was carrying 9000 tons of coal, the other
vessels in convoy were the German merchants Isle Fritzen (5099 GRT, built 1922) and Wachtel (992 GRT, built 1924), the Norwegian merchants Maurita (1569 GRT, built 1925), Roald Jarl (1404 GRT, built 1913) and the Swedish merchant Vega (1073 GRT, built 1913). They were escorted by NS-22, NS-09, NS-24 and V-5110. The whole crew of the Rheinhausen (including two wounded) was saved by NS-22.
(6)

12 Feb 1944HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) torpedoed and heavily damaged the German merchant Harm Fritzen (4818 GRT, built 1915) off the Bømlafjord. The ship was run aground to prevent it from sinking. The ship was later salvaged.

(All times are zone -1)
1125 hours - Sighted a merchant of about 3000 tons and one escort Northbound in the direction of Haugesund. The escort was astern.

1154 hours - Fired four torpedoes from 1200 yards and went to 80 feet. 1min2sec After firing the first torpedo heard and explosion followed very shortly by loud and pronounced breaking up noises. Three depth charges were dropped but these were not close and Taku was not detected. (6)

13 Feb 1944HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) torpedoed and sank the German merchant Hans Bornhofen (2130 GRT, built 1905) in the Boknafjorden, 8 nautical miles south of Skudeneshavn, Norway in position 59°08'N, 05°24'E.

(All times are zone -1)
1624 hours - Sighted a Southbound convoy of two 3000 ton merchants, two 1500 ton merchants and four escorts coming down Karm Sund towards Stavanger. Started attack.

1703 hours - Fired four torpedoes at the leading 3000 ton merchant ship from 1500 yards and went to 80 feet. About 70-75 seconds after firing the first torpedo three explosions were heard. Taku meanwhile retired to the seaward.

1737 hours - Came to periscope depth. Three trawlers and one aircraft were seen close by. Went deep again.

According to German sources this convoy was made up of the German merchants Hans Bornhofen (2130 GRT, built 1905) and Uhlenhorst (3741 GRT, built 1909) and the small Danish merchant Gottfred Hansen (394 GRT, built 1931). They were escorted by NS-21 and V-5108. (6)

16 Mar 1944HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) departed from Lerwick for her 24th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol off Norway in the Trondheim area. She is to intercept the German battleship Tirpitz that is possibly leaving Norway for repairs in Germany. Taku was part of 'Operstion Foremost'in which a whole lot of Allied submarines were placed along the coast of Norway to intercept the Tirpitz if she came South. As of 2300 hours on the 20th she is also to attack enemy shipping as Tirpitz was not going to Germany after all.

For HMS Taku's daily positions during this patrol see the map below.

(6)

24 Mar 1944HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN) fires 5 torpedoes against a tanker in a German convoy about 25 nautical miles west of Namsos, Norway in position 64°33'N 10°37'E. The German merchant Moshill (2959 GRT, former Norwegian) was missed in this attack.

0826 hours - Finally saw the target, a large tanker of about 10000 tons.

0833 hours - Fired the first of six torpedoes from 3500 yards and went to 80 feet.

0836 hours - One torpedo hit was heard. Also a depth charge exploded very close by causing minor damage through which Taku ended up at 280 feet. This depth charge was most likely dropped by one of the escorting aircraft. No more depth charges were dropped after this single one.

1000 hours - No HE was heard so came to periscope depth. Nothing in sight except a few fishing vessel. Withdrew to the Westward and reloaded the torpedo tubes.

According to German sources Moshill was escorted by the minesweeper M-132. (6)

21 Jul 1944HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) conducted exercises off Blyth with a training class of new submariners. These exercises also included night exercises during the night of 21/22 July 1944. (50)

19 Oct 1944HMS Taku (T/Lt. P.S. Parmenter, RNR) departed from Blyth to pick up a pilot from a crashed aircraft who has parachuted in the sea.
This airman was successfully recovered at 1010 hours in position 55°02.6'N, 01°20.4'E. (53)